96-Well Plate Identifier Positioning for Sample Identity Assurance

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-throughput analysis in clinical laboratories using 96-well plates is prone to errors due to orientation, location, and position issues, which are difficult to detect and correct, leading to inconsistencies in sample identification and quality assurance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for confirming sample identity using an identifier material distributed in predetermined positions of a multi-sample test unit, combined with analyte detection, to ensure accurate sample identification and quality assurance in high-throughput analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-throughput analysis using 96-well plates is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to orientation, location, and position errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of sample analysisVSAvoidaccuracy of sample identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating unique identifier materials into specific wells of the 96-well plate during sample preparation, before the plate enters the analytical instrument. This pre-positioning of identifiers allows the system to verify plate orientation and sample locations automatically during analysis, preventing errors from misplaced or misoriented plates while maintaining high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the detected presence or absence of identifier materials to confirm or correct sample location information. The system compares expected identifier positions with actual detected positions, providing real-time verification that feedbacks into the data system to ensure accurate sample identification and flag potential orientation or placement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual plate handling and storage is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error in plate orientation and location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of plate handling systemVSAvoidaccuracy of sample position identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the plate itself to provide identification information through the embedded unique identifier materials. The plate essentially identifies its own sample locations and orientation through the detected presence and position of these identifiers, eliminating the need for complex external tracking systems or manual verification procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If identifier material is distributed to predetermined positions, then reliability is improved through unambiguous sample identification, but device complexity increases due to additional distribution and detection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfidence in sample identity confirmationVSAvoidcomplexity of identifier distribution system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identifier distribution step with the existing sample preparation workflow. The unique identifier materials are incorporated into the plate during standard operational procedures, combining the identification function with routine sample handling rather than requiring separate dedicated equipment or processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by using the same analytical instrument and detection capabilities to serve multiple functions: both analyzing the patient samples and detecting the unique identifier materials. The existing mass spectrometry or chromatography system detects both analytes and identifiers, eliminating the need for separate identification equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides unambiguous quality assurance by confirming sample identity through the presence of identifier material, reducing errors and ensuring accurate sample processing and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

determining the absence or presence of an analyte in the plurality of individual samples; and determining the absence or presence of the identifier material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalyte detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12523669B2Methods and systems for improved quality assurance for high-throughput analysis

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Disclosed are methods and systems for confirming the identification of samples processed by a high-throughput analytical technique. The method may include distributing a plurality of individual samples to individual predetermined positions of a multi-sample test unit and distributing an identifier material to at least one predetermined position of the multi-sample test unit. The method may also include determining the absence or presence of an analyte in the plurality of individual samples, and determining the presence of the identifier material, wherein the presence of the identifier material at the predetermined position of the multi-sample test unit is used to confirm the identity of the plurality of individual samples positioned in the multi-sample test unit. Also disclosed are systems for performing the methods. The methods and systems may be applied to high-throughput LC-MS/MS or other analytical methods.